Hampered by lack of public confidence and low crime detection rates, the T&T Police Service (TTPS) needs to get on with the monumental task of improving its image and boosting efficiency with some urgency. Recent assurances from local law enforcement authorities about decreases in crime are of little or no effect when the spectre of violent crime and a general sense of insecurity continues to shroud the country.
In terms of public perception, a great deal of restorative work needs to be done on the image of the men and women of the TTPS. When that perception is reinforced by the reality of a large number of police officers currently before the courts on criminal charges, it is clear that acting Police Commissioner Stephen Williams and members of his executive, as well as newly appointed National Security Minister Emmanuel George, need to take quick and decisive action to clean up the TTPS.
Very little crime fighting progress can be made with a law enforcement agency that is saddled with officers who seem to be operating on the wrong side of the law. To the already long list of police officers currently on trial, or convicted of offences that include murder, assault and other violent crimes, there have been recent additions in just the last few days.
Two highway patrol police officers were this week charged with the rape of a woman in Caroni, while another officer with a record of 25 years in the service is facing charges related to prostitution and human trafficking. This raises concerns about the process currently being used to recruit officers into the TTPS. It could be time for a review and upgrade of that system. Ensuring that rogue elements do not gain entry into the TTPS requires stringent background checks on candidates for the job.
Issues like past drug use, questionable social activities, even debts, would raise red flags about the suitability of some individuals for the job. Also, is use made of polygraph examinations to find out if a prospective candidate has been deceptive during the hiring process, particularly with background checks and character investigations? Another essential aspect of any recruitment system in a modern, effective police service is the psychological assessment.
Are future members of the TTPS subjected to a series of multiple choice tests/personality inventories that attempt to see if they can handle the stresses of the job and are psychologically stable? These are very important considerations in the development of a productive, safe police officer. The society in which the TTPS functions is continually changing and, from all appearances, law enforcement administration and ranks have not been keeping pace with those changes.
Law enforcement agencies are required to adapt socially to constant changes, with operational procedures and policies to prevent its members from falling into the negative behavours it should be eradicating. Reviewing how the TTPS recruits men and women into its ranks is an important and useful exercise that needs to be undertaken now, along with all the other initiatives needed to bring about urgently needed transformations to this very essential service.